On Gaza: Simple talk for the simple-minded

8/1/14 5:39 PM EDT

Since a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little politicians and partisan barkers in the public square, I did not expect the usual suspects to have the intellectual capacity to grasp a statement that didn't neatly line up with their political punch list for the do's and don'ts of mindless political posturing.

Let me start with simple talk that even the most simple minded can understand.

America will stand with Israel, who is America's strongest ally in the region.

Hamas is a terrorist organization, who started this confrontation by launching a thousand missile attacks on the people of Israel.

Israel uses their missiles to protect its people.

Hamas uses their people to protect its missiles.

UN condemnations matter little since they have long been a hotbed of anti-Israeli sentiment. What matters most now is that Israel's Arab neighbors in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan support the Jewish state over the Islamic terrorist outfit.

Turkey and Qatar have regrettably chosen to be backers of Hamas - but they are practically alone in the region.

It is also true that the United States has less leverage to move both sides to a peaceful solution because of Israel's longtime distrust of President Obama. Lining up with Turkey and Qatar in peace talks does not help bridge that divide.

But in international diplomacy as in domestic political life, we must follow the wisdom of William F. Buckley and take the world as we find it -- and not how we wish it to be. And the reality on the ground in Gaza is clear to all.

The prolonged killing of children and women in Palestinian territories will only serve to weaken Israel and strengthen Hamas. Tragically, this comes at a time when Hamas leadership was on the run, hated at home and isolated abroad. Every day that goes by with images of children being pulled out of the rubble of bombed-out schools, hospitals and public markets is a day that only makes Hamas stronger and threatens Israel's long-term security.

That is bad for Israel, bad for America and bad for Middle East peace.

And blindly supporting Israel’s politicians when their actions may be strengthening Hamas is no way to show our support or friendship.